MDX Engine life

[sandhuatacuw]

I am considering buying a used SUV for those twice a year road trips - maybe about 3000-4000 miles a year of driving. My priorities in the order of importance are:
1. Reliability
2. Cost - Max up to $8000
3. Some 4x4, AWD capability mostly to deal with snow/ice
4. MPG (prepared to go down to Land Cruiser level since it's not a commuter car)

Acura MDX comes up on top of the list except that used ones around $8000 have high mileage. So my question is that given good maintenance, up to how many miles the MDX engine is good without worrying about any major overhauls or maintenance?

[Duckdog]

There is no problem with any Honda engine running strong and reliable past 250,000 miles or more with proper maintenance and care. The 3.5L V6 is no exception. In fact, it may be one of the best engines in their fleet.

Any Honda/Acura with 100K to 200K is really nothing to be afraid of.

[vetdude]

All things being equal [good maintenance per the Acura schedule, frequent oil/filter and air filter changes, limited to no owner abuse, etc.] you should see 250k minimum...at least that's what my service tech told me after I broke the 113k threshold on our '02.

Tip: Make sure that the timing belt has been replaced on any MDX with over 105k miles on the clock. If it can't be verified, walk away.

[ckamps]

Our '05 is at 170K with no engine-specific problems thus far. We've had it since new and it seems to run strong and solid. We have followed the factory (not dealer) maintenance schedules over its life and replaced the shocks and struts at 150K (not that they were really bad, but it just seemed like the right thing to do after so many miles).

I'd prefer better MPG, we see 20-21 on the highway running 75MPH, but for this size of vehicle and V6, that's probably not so bad. (New gen MDXs are only rated at 21 on the highway).

Since we like the powertrain and overall vehicle so much and we probably wouldn't get much if we sold it, we recently decided to keep the MDX until it starts encountering super serious problems - perhaps anything over $4K or so. I test drove a '10 Venza last week and the road noise from the rear was terrible - even compared to our '05 gen MDX.

My current outlook is that we should see well over 200K with this vehicle. I am prepared to do misc DIY fixes for minor issues as they crop up. Failed switches, bulbs needing replacement, power seat gremlins, DVD player failures (~$250 for rebuilt unit), etc. are all issues I am willing to fix on my own as we keep our vehicle past 200K.

The main problem in terms of the overall drivetrain has been the transmission - a common and well documented problem with MDXs. At 130K or so the dealer replaced it with a rebuilt unit and split the cost with us we have been good customers at this dealer. Our cost was $1,500 or so.

The resonating sound at low speeds and low RPM is a common early symptom of this problem. In our case is got progressively worse over 20K miles or so until it was clear something serious was afoot. Even with the rebuilt tranny we hear slight resonating under these conditions. Maybe we can expect another failure in 50-100K. (I've read that a lot of the failures have occurred well under 100K).

As you look at MDXs, it might be useful to inquire whether the transmission has been replaced or rebuilt and pay close attention to the drivetrain sounds at 1,200 or so RPM and 30-45 MPH as you apply some light load.

[airdave]

Originally Posted by Duckdog

There is no problem with any Honda engine running strong and reliable past 250,000 miles or more with proper maintenance and care. The 3.5L V6 is no exception. In fact, it may be one of the best engines in their fleet.

Any Honda/Acura with 100K to 200K is really nothing to be afraid of.

I agree! We have an '02 MDX with only 94k on it. Pull the dipstick after 3000 miles and the oil is still "clear"! It's value right now is only $12000! Would I sell it? NO. Point is, do a thorough check on whatever you're considering. You won't be disappointed with the MDX!

[Downhill_Jimmer]

Originally Posted by ckamps

The resonating sound at low speeds and low RPM is a common early symptom of this problem. In our case is got progressively worse over 20K miles or so until it was clear something serious was afoot. Even with the rebuilt tranny we hear slight resonating under these conditions. Maybe we can expect another failure in 50-100K. (I've read that a lot of the failures have occurred well under 100K).

You have just described the sounds I've been hearing for a little while now to a 't'. Is this a sign of imminent failure? I have about 115K (70Miles) on my 05 touring.